Box by the Sea

Fading like driftwood in the South Coast sun is a fine beach house by Sydney architects Smart Design Studio.

If you’ve ever been to Gerringong on the NSW South Coast — and you have an eye for a clean line and a simple, resolved form — then you’ve probably spied this timber holiday house from the beach and wished it were yours.

Built on an elevated position at the south end of Werri Beach, it boasts 270 degree views of the ocean, the headland at the northern end of the beach and the hinterland beyond.

Clad in timber, calculated to grey off under the sun and salt air like driftwood, the home is essentially an elegant box, with a glass-walled first floor – sheltered by a cantilevered roof – looking for all the world as if it has somehow risen majestically out of the floor below.

Upstairs is the living room, a second kitchen and the master bedroom. Downstairs is the main kitchen, dining and family room and the rest of the bedrooms.

All of the rooms open onto outdoor spaces, located on different sides of the house, ensuring protection from the prevailing, and often strong, ocean breezes.

Don’t miss out on any print issue of Habitus!

Habitus Magazine is the Asia Pacific authority of choice for Design Hunters® looking for the special in design and architecture and products, providing an exclusive view into the regions most beautiful homes.